Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

If you already have a degree, or an equivalent qualification recognised by The University of Auckland, you can qualify to teach in any early childhood service after just one year of full-time study at graduate diploma level.

Teachers come from a wide range of backgrounds and offer their own unique perspectives to teaching. Get into a rewarding career supporting under-five-year olds in their learning and development and help to give them the best start possible to their education.

Quick facts

Full-time: 1 year (part-time study options also available)
Taught at: Epsom Campus and by flexible learning mode
Points per programme: 150 (intensive programme)

Highlights

• Strong emphasis placed on practical experience in a variety of early childhood services and centres.
• May qualify you for a higher pay scale as it recognises your previous qualification.
• TeachNZ scholarships available.
• Flexible study options available through online delivery (flexible learning mode) and lecture-free days in the on-campus programme.

What you'll be studying

This is an intensive programme equivalent to 1.25 years of full-time study completed within a 12-month period.

During the course of your study you will:

• be introduced to the ECE curriculum and learn about social and learning contexts specific to early childhood education
• study educational theory and practice via tutorials, lectures and group work
• undertake practical experience in early childhood settings and work alongside experienced teachers to develop your teaching practice.

View full list of courses

Choose your career

This qualification prepares you to teach in all early childhood services in New Zealand, including early childhood care and education centres and kindergartens.

You will be eligible to apply for provisional registration as a practising professional early childhood teacher, possibly leading to leadership or management positions in an early childhood centre in the future.

With a three-year degree and a graduate diploma you’ll be eligible to start on a higher step of the salary scale in services covered by the NZEI teaching collective agreement for early childhood teachers

How do you get in?

The academic prerequisite for the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) is an undergraduate degree or equivalent. Overseas qualifications will need to be assessed by the University for equivalence with New Zealand degree qualifications. Personal references and an interview are part of the selection process. Contact the faculty for further information.

Interested in further study?

With a GradDipTchg you could go on to study an area of interest (eg, special needs education) at graduate level or go on to postgraduate study. This can lead to study in education at masters and doctoral level.

Supplementary information

As part of the application and selection process, you need to supply us with supplementary information. Click on the link below to download a supplementary information form, complete it, and return it to the Faculty of Education as soon as possible.